3 Ways to Make New Year Resolutions Stick

Many of us make resolutions for the new year.

We may want to add new routines, or change some old habits.

But even though we start out with the highest motivation and best of intentions, we might struggle to keep going after a while.

Here are 3 ways to make your resolutions stick:

1. Create specific and realistic goals

Once you’ve got your resolutions in place, review them:

Pick one to focus on, till you make it a habit. Then move on to the next one

It’s okay to have multiple goals for 2025, but don’t pressure yourself to do all of them at one time.

Be specific about what you want to do, and set a realistic timeline to achieve it

For example, if one of your resolutions is to get enough sleep, break it down into tiny, easily achievable steps.

Start by going to sleep 5 minutes early every day, for a week.

The following week, move your bedtime back by another 5 minutes. You can continue to do this till you are satisfied with the progress you’ve made.

If you’re struggling to go to bed even 5 minutes early, continue with it till your mind and body adjust to it, and then move it back by another 5 minutes whenever you’re ready.

These small steps may feel insignificant but they are powerful wins, because every milestone you cross, no matter how small, will boost your confidence to cross the next one.

The path to your goal is lined with tiny steps like the one you’re currently taking.

 

 

2. Make yourself accountable

One of the most powerful ways to make resolutions stick is to turn them into habits.

But cultivating a new habit requires a lot of motivation.

BJ Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford has been studying habits for 20+ years. He admits that it is very hard for all of us to stay motivated all the time.

But at its root, behaviour change is systematic.

So by following a series of steps, it is possible for us to change old habits or add new ones.

Once you’ve decided your goal, make yourself accountable for it by adding it to your schedule or routine. 

Many moms have told us that adding their goals as a routine in MAMMA-MIYA helped them keep track of it and set a strong start for a habit.

The bonus? Checking it off when it’s done added to their feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment!

3. Allow yourself to fail, but not to give up

Even if we’re motivated to change, life itself can take over sometimes.

Work deadlines, unexpected school closures, kids/adults falling sick, having to travel – any of these can disrupt our new schedule.

When this happens, tweak your plan to reach the same goal.

If you had a couple of late nights, see if you can sleep in for 5 minutes longer so that you can still get the hours of sleep that you’re currently aiming for.

The key is to not give up.

BJ Fogg says that revision is a part of the process of practising a new habit or skill.
“Be flexible, adjust, adapt. If something is not working, try something else, until you find the fit.”